Every September our daughter asks her children, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The eldest, at six, wants to be a ballerina and t...

Thursday, 19 September 2019

Alpacas

Every September, some Prince Edward Island farms participate in Open Farm Day and again this year, my husband and I accompanied our daughter and the kids to some of the farms in the west of the island. One farm breeds and raises alpacas for fibre.

The farm had three baby alpacas this year. The little ones were in an enclosure with their mothers and a few others. One approached its mother to nurse and was rebuffed. The little animal was persistent however and eventually the mother relented.

It was shy afterwards and looked out over its mother’s back at the crowd.

Another little one was tired and lay down in the yard and fell asleep. The others ignored it and it slept in spite of the admirers looking on.

There are several colours of alpacas in the flock of thirty-six animals and shearing had been completed by Farm Day.

Their legs aren’t sheared so they look fluffy. They have pretty faces, at least to this observer and their eyelashes would make anyone who enjoys mascara application drool.

The farm has a store on the premises which sells alpaca yarn and knit products such as socks and sweaters.

Griswald, the llama, is also on the premises.

So much bigger than the alpacas, llamas are usually domesticated as pack animals or for meat in the Andes. Griswald allowed visitors, including one of our granddaughters, to feed him pieces of apple supplied by his owner.

A young teenager was friendly and answered any questions people had. He was an excellent ambassador for the farm. We will visit again.

Funny looking creatures really! There's an alpaca farm near here too, and at the end of the month they will be showing their animals at the local Fall Fair. And there will be yarn and knitted garments for sale, such lovely soft wool. I think I might buy an alpaca hat for the winter. (for me, not the alpaca!!!! heheh)

Looks like a great place. The animals are so fun to see. There were llamas on a farm down the road from me for a while a few years ago, but I haven't seen them in a long time. I've always missed them since then.

Very cute pictures! The llama picture reminded me of being a teenager. My best friend at the time lived on a llama farm with her aunt and uncle. I spent more than a few hours helping to corral runaway llamas.